ASSEMBLY FOR CONNECTING A MOUTH GUARD TO A HELMET OR FASTENING APPARATUS FOR A HELMET

Abstract

A mouth guard assembly with a retractable mouth guard connection, including: a retraction element including a first housing and a retraction device disposed within the first housing; a cord including a first end attached to the retraction device and a second end; a coupling element including a third end connected to the second end and a fourth end arranged to engage a mouth guard to secure the mouth guard to the coupling element; and a connection assembly arranged to attach the retraction element to a protective helmet or a fastening apparatus for a protective helmet. The cord is arranged to be pulled from the retraction assembly in a first direction. The retraction device applies a force urging the cord in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/932,244, filed Jan. 28, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally describes an assembly for connecting a mouth guard to a helmet or fastening apparatus for a helmet. In particular, the present disclosure describes an assembly with a retraction element, a cord connected to the retraction element, and coupling elements for connecting the cord to the mouth guard, helmet and/or fastening apparatus. The cord can be pulled out of the retraction element and the retraction element applies a force retracting the cord. The present disclosure also describes a means of magnetically connecting a mouth guard to a helmet.

BACKGROUND

In athletic activities which utilize a helmet or other protective headgear, and in particular high impact sports such as football and hockey, the use of a protective mouth guard is typically mandatory. It is desirable for the mouthpiece to be tethered in close proximity to the mouth of the user, preferably to the helmet or face mask for at least the following reasons. First, having the mouth guard tethered to the helmet or face mask eliminates the chance that the mouth guard will be lost or misplaced. Second, and perhaps most importantly, a number of instances have arisen in which the user has inadvertently swallowed a mouth guard as a result of impact or otherwise during an athletic activity. Swallowing a mouth guard can result in the user choking on the mouth guard, causing severe injury or death. In addition, it is often difficult for players to comfortably position the mouthpiece in the mouth, particularly for younger players. Furthermore, known mouth guard tethering products are not modular and limiting a player to set tether and mouth guard combinations.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure broadly comprises a mouth guard assembly with a retractable mouth guard connection, including: a retraction element including a first housing and a refraction device disposed within the first housing; a cord including a first end attached to the retraction device and a second end; a coupling element including a third end connected to the second end and a protrusion arranged to engage a mouth guard to secure the mouth guard to the coupling element; and a connection assembly arranged to attach the retraction element to a protective helmet or a fastening apparatus for a protective helmet. The cord is arranged to be pulled from the retraction assembly in a first direction. The retraction device applies a force urging the cord in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The present disclosure broadly comprises a mouth guard assembly with a retractable mouth guard connection, including: a retraction element arranged to engage a chin strap for a protective helmet and including a first housing and a retraction device disposed within the housing; a cord including a first end attached to the retraction device and a second end; and a coupling element including a third end connected to the second end and a fourth end arranged to attach the refraction element to a mouth guard. The cord is arranged to be pulled from the retraction assembly in a first direction. The retraction device applies a force urging the cord in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The present disclosure broadly comprises a mouth guard assembly, including: a U-shaped mouth guard arranged to receive teeth on an upper or lower jaw of a user; and a connection assembly. The connection assembly includes: a flexible tab including a first connected to the mouth guard and a second end; and, a magnet connected to the second end and arranged to magnetically engage a portion of a protective helmet made of a magnetic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present disclosure will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the present disclosure taken with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a retractable mouth guard assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mouth guard usable with a retractable mouth guard assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 1 with a coupling element detached from the mouth guard;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 3 with the coupling element attached to the mouth guard and the cord at least partially extended;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 1 with a coupling element detached from the mouth guard and having a rotating function;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 5 with the coupling element attached to the mouth guard and the cord at least partially extended;

FIG. 7 is perspective bottom view of the coupling element of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIGS. 9A through 9C are representations of respective connection assemblies for the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 1 connected to a protective helmet;

FIG. 11A illustrates the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 1 connected to a fastening apparatus for a protective helmet;

FIG. 11B is a detail of FIG. 11B showing the retraction element in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a retractable mouth guard assembly including a mouth guard;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 12 with the cord fixedly secured to the mouth guard;

FIG. 14 illustrates a magnetic mouth guard assembly; and,

FIG. 15 illustrates a magnetic mouth guard assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the disclosure as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly”, “very nearly”, “about”, “approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “close to”, “essentially”, “in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby”, “close”, “adjacent”, “neighboring”, “immediate”, “adjoining”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of retractable mouth guard assembly 100.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of mouth guard MG usable with a retractable mouth guard assembly. Mouth guard MG includes recess R further described below. In general, known mouth guards include some type of recess to use for tethering the mouth guard to a helmet. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 and 2. Retractable mouth guard assembly 100 includes retraction element 102, cord 104, coupling element 106, and coupling element 108. Element 102 includes housing 110 and retraction device 112 disposed within housing 110. Cord 104 includes ends 104A and 104B. End 104A is attached to retraction element 102. In an example embodiment, coupling element 106 includes ends 114A and 114B. In an example embodiment, end 114A is connected to end 104B of the cord. In an example embodiment, end 114A is connected to end 104B of the cord. By “fixedly connected” we mean the connection is essentially permanent. For example, the connection is not intended to allow end 104B of the cord to be removed and reconnected to end 114A. End 114B is arranged to connect element 106 to the mouth guard. In an example embodiment, end 114B includes protrusion 116. Protrusion 116 is arranged to engage mouth guard MG to secure the mouth guard to element 106.

Coupling element 108 is arranged to attach refraction element 102 to protective helmet H or fastening apparatus FA for the helmet. By “fastening apparatus” we mean any straps, chin straps, or similar devices used to secure the helmet to the head of a wearer of the helmet. The cord is arranged to be pulled, or extended, from retraction element 102 in direction D1 and retraction device 112 applies a force urging the cord in direction D2 opposite direction. D1 and back into housing 110. Mouth Guard MG can be any mouth guard known in the art, for example, a U-shaped mouth guard arranged to receive teeth on an upper or lower jaw of a user.

In an example embodiment, retraction device 116 includes spring 118, for example, coil spring 118. In an example embodiment, retraction element 102 includes spool 120 and retraction device 116, for example, coil spring 116, is arranged to wrap the cord about the spool. It should be understood that any device known in the art that enables a cord to be withdrawn from a housing and applies a force to retract the cord back into the housing can be used for retraction element 102.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of retractable mouth guard assembly 100 of FIG. 1 with a coupling element detached from the mouth guard.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of retractable mouth guard assembly 100 of FIG. 3 with the coupling element attached to the mouth guard and the cord at least partially extended. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through 4. In an example embodiment, coupling element 106 includes coupler 122 with end 114A and protrusion 116. In an example embodiment, protrusion 116 is arranged for insertion in recess R in mouth guard MG. In an example embodiment, protrusion 116 and recess R are arranged to enable protrusion 116 to be inserted into and withdrawn from recess R. Thus, protrusion 116 and recess R provide a means to easily attach and detach the mouth guard from the coupling element, for example to clean or replace the mouth guard. It should be noted that the engagement of protrusion 116 with the mouth guard via recess R is sufficient to keep element 106 connected to the mouth guard in response to the forces expected to be encountered by a user of assembly 100. In an example embodiment, element 106 is fixed to the mouth guard when protrusion 116 is inserted in the recess for the mouth guard.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of retractable mouth guard assembly 100 of FIG. 1 with a coupling element detached from the mouth guard and having a rotating function.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 5 with the coupling element attached to the mouth guard and the cord at least partially extended.

FIG. 7 is perspective bottom view of the coupling element of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of FIGS. 5 and 6. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 through 8. In an example embodiment, coupling element 106 includes housing 124 and rotation element 126. Housing 124 includes end 114. Element 126 is separate from housing 124 and includes portions 126A and 126B. Portion 126A is disposed within housing 124. Portion 126B extends from portion 126A to the exterior of housing 124 (extends beyond the housing) and includes protrusion 116. The discussion of protrusion 116 for FIGS. 3 and 4 is applicable to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Portion 126B includes longitudinal axis LA, and in an example embodiment, element 126 is rotatable about axis LA. Thus, element 126 can rotate in housing 124 to prevent the cord from becoming twisted. In an example embodiment, element 126 is formed by coupler 122.

FIGS. 9A through 9C are representations of respective connection assemblies for the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 1 connected to a protective helmet. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through 10. In an example embodiment, coupling element 108 includes strap 128 connected to housing 110. Strap 128 includes ends 128A and 128B with fastening elements 130. As shown in FIG. 10, strap 128 is arranged to wrap about a portion of protective helmet H or fastening apparatus FA so that fastening elements 130 are connected to each other to connect assembly 100 to helmet H or apparatus FA. In an example embodiment (not shown), strap 128 is arranged to wrap around fastening apparatus FA.

In an example embodiment, fastening elements 130A and 130B at ends 128A and 128B, respectively, in FIG. 9A are magnetic devices. By “magnetic devices” we mean two magnets or a magnetic and a material to which the magnet is magnetically attracted. In an example embodiment, fastening elements 130A and 130B at ends 128A and 128B, respectively, in FIG. 9B are hook and loop devices, respectively. In an example embodiment, fastening elements 130A and 130B at ends 128A and 128B, respectively, in FIG. 9C are snap devices. It should be understood that any connecting means known in the art can be used for fastening elements 130.

FIG. 11A illustrates a retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 1 for connection to a fastening apparatus for a protective helmet. FIG. 11B is a detail of FIG. 11B showing retraction element 102 in FIG. 11A. The respective discussions for element 102, cord 104, and element 106 are applicable to FIG. 11 except as noted. Element 102 is arranged to engage chin strap CS of fastening apparatus FA for helmet H. For example, element 102 is arranged to engage or to contact interior side S1 of the chin strap. Side S1 is the side of the chin strap facing the chin of the user, for example, portions of side S1 may be in contact with the user when the chin strap is secured to the user. Cord 104 is arranged to pass through opening O in the chin strap. Cord 104 is connected to element 106 as described above. Coupling element 106 is arranged to engage mouth guard MG as described above, for example via recess R.

As cord 104 is drawn from and retracted into element 102, the cord passes through opening O while element 102 remains on side S1, that is, element 102 does not pass through opening O and, for example, the chin strap blocks movement of element 102 in direction D1. In an example embodiment, when cord 104 is fully retracted into element 102, the mouth guard is proximate exterior side S2 of the chin strap or in contact with side S2. In an example embodiment (not shown), element 102 is embedded in the chin strap. In an example embodiment (not shown), a bushing is placed in opening O to guide cord 104 and reduce abrading of cord 104.

The respective discussions of coupler 122, housing 124, and element 126 for FIGS. 1 through 10 are applicable to FIG. 11 except as noted. In an example embodiment, coupling element 106 includes coupler 122 with end 114A connected to end 104B of the cord and protrusion 116 arranged to be inserted in recess R of the mouth guard. In an example embodiment, coupling element 106 includes housing 124, connected to end 104B of the cord, and rotation element 126. Protrusion 116 is arranged to be inserted in recess R of the mouth guard. The discussion of protrusion 116 and recess R for FIGS. 1 through 10 is applicable to FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of retractable mouth guard assembly 200 including a mouth guard. Retractable mouth guard assembly 200 includes retraction element 102, cord 104, connection assembly 108, connection feature 202, and mouth guard 204. The discussion for FIGS. 1 through 10 regarding element 102 is applicable to assembly 200. The discussion for FIGS. 1 through 10 regarding connection assembly 108 is applicable to assembly 200. Cord 104 is arranged to be pulled, or extended, from retraction element 102 in direction D1 and retraction device 112 applies a force urging the cord in direction D2 opposite direction. D1 and back into housing 110. Mouth guard 204 can be any mouth guard known in the art, for example, a U-shaped mouth guard arranged to receive teeth on an upper or lower jaw of a user.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in an example embodiment, connection feature 202 includes coupling element 106 with coupler 122 and the respective discussions for FIGS. 1 through 10 regarding coupling element 106, coupler 122, and mouth guard MG are applicable to connection feature 202 and mouth guard 204. For example, mouth guard 204 includes recess 206 arranged to receive protrusion 116.

Referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, in an example embodiment, connection feature 202 includes coupling element 106 with housing 124 and rotation element 126 and the respective discussions for FIGS. 1 through 10 regarding coupling element 106, housing 124, rotation element 126, and mouth guard MG are applicable to connection feature 202 and mouth guard 204. For example, mouth guard 204 includes recess 206 arranged to receive protrusion 116.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the retractable mouth guard assembly of FIG. 12 with the cord fixedly secured to the mouth guard. In an example embodiment, connection feature 202 includes end 104B of the cord. In particular, end 104B is directly connected to mouth guard 206, for example, fixedly connected to mouth guard 206.

FIG. 14 is a perspective illustration of magnetic mouth guard assembly 300. Assembly 300 includes U-shaped mouth guard 302 and connection assembly 304. Mouth guard 302 is arranged to receive teeth on an upper or lower jaw of a user. Assembly 304 includes flexible tab 306 and magnet 308. Tab 306 includes ends 306A end 306B. End 306A is fixedly connected to mouth guard 302 by any means known in the art. Magnet 308 is connected to end 306B and is arranged to magnetically engage a portion of protective helmet H made of a magnetic material. For example, in FIG. 14, magnet 308 is magnetically connected to face guard FG.

FIG. 15 is an exploded illustration of magnetic mouth guard assembly 400. Assembly 400 includes U-shaped mouth guard 402 and connection assembly 404. Mouth guard 402 is arranged to receive teeth on an upper or lower jaw of a user. Assembly 404 includes flexible tab 406 and magnet 408. Tab 406 includes ends 406A end 406B. End 406A includes protrusion 410 and mouth guard 402 includes recess 412. Recess 412 is arranged to receive protrusion 410. That is, protrusion 410 and recess 412 are arranged to enable protrusion 410 to be inserted into and withdrawn from recess 412. Thus, protrusion 410 and recess 412 provide a means to easily attach and detach the mouth guard from the protrusion, for example to clean or replace the mouth guard. Stated otherwise, protrusion 410 is not fixedly connectable to mouth guard 402, but is removeably connectable to mouth guard 402. Magnet 408 is connected to end 406B and is arranged to magnetically engage a portion of protective helmet H made of a magnetic material. For example, in FIG. 13, magnet 408 is magnetically connected to face guard FG.

Advantageously, assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 400 provide respective safe, convenient, and modular means of tethering a mouth guard to a helmet. For example, the preceding assemblies address the problems noted above. Regarding safety issues, the retraction functionality of element 102 results in the mouth guard being retracted from a user's mouth in the event the mouth guard is separated from the user's teeth. Thus, in situations, such a high energy impact, causing the mouth guard to separate from the user's teeth, rather than being loose and possibly being swallowed by the user, the mouth guard is retracted from the mouth of the user by element 102. Stated otherwise, assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 400 provide hands-free retraction in high impact situations and reliable tethering of a mouth guard to a helmet when the mouth guard is not in use.

Element 102 can be connected to virtually anywhere on a helmet by use of assembly 108 or one of the magnetic options. For example, the length and flexibility of cord 104 enable element 102 to be located at locations not possible with known tether systems. For example, element 102 can be at greater distance from the mouth of the user and does not need to be directly in front of the mouth of the user. In some embodiments, the coupling assembly is rotatable, which further adds to the range of locations and positions possible for the attachment of element 102.

Regarding modularity, with assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 400, a user has a wide range options for a combination of a mouth guard and tethering means. A user can choose from a vast selection of mouth guards with a variety of materials, shapes and colors. As noted above, a typical known mouth guard includes a recess, such as recess R in FIG. 2, usable for tethering purposes. Thus, protrusion 116 is a universal connector suitable for use with virtually any known mouth guard recess. In like manner, protrusion 132 (or protrusion 116 replacing protrusion 132) can be made adaptable to various recesses formed in chin straps for helmets.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A mouth guard assembly with a retractable mouth guard connection, comprising:

a retraction element including: a first housing; and, a retraction device disposed within the first housing;

a cord including: a first end attached to the retraction device; and, a second end;

a first coupling element including: a third end connected to the second end; and, a fourth end arranged to engage a mouth guard to secure the mouth guard to the coupling element; and,

a second coupling element arranged to attach the retraction element to a protective helmet or to a fastening apparatus for a protective helmet, wherein: the cord is arranged to be pulled from the retraction assembly in a first direction; and, the retraction device applies a force urging the cord in a second direction opposite the first direction.

2. The mouth guard assembly of claim 1, wherein the retraction device includes a coil spring.

3. The mouth guard assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the retraction element includes a spool; and,

the retraction device is arranged to wrap the cord about the spool.

4. The mouth guard assembly of claim 1, wherein the fourth end includes a protrusion arranged to engage the mouth guard.

5. The mouth guard assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the first coupling element includes: a second housing including the third end; and, a rotation element including: a first portion disposed within the second housing; and, a second portion separate from the first portion, extending from the first portion to an exterior of the second housing, and including the fourth end; and,

wherein the fourth end includes a protrusion arranged to engage a recess in the mouth guard.

6. The mouth guard assembly of claim 5, wherein:

the second portion has a longitudinal axis; and,

the rotation element is rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

7. The mouth guard assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the second connection element includes a strap connected to the first housing;

the strap includes fourth and fifth ends with first and second fastening elements, respectively; and,

the strap is arranged to wrap about a portion of the protective helmet so that: the first and second fastening elements are connected; and, the retraction assembly is connected to the protective helmet.

8. The mouth guard assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second fastening elements are selecting from the group consisting of magnetic devices, snap devices, or hook and loop devices.

9. The mouth guard assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastening apparatus includes a strap or a chin strap.

10. A mouth guard assembly with a retractable mouth guard connection, comprising:

a retraction element arranged to engage a chin strap for a protective helmet and including: a first housing; and, a retraction device disposed within the housing;

a cord including: a first end attached to the retraction device; and, a second end; and,

a coupling element including: a third end connected to the second end; and, a fourth end arranged to attach the retraction element to a mouth guard, wherein:

the cord is arranged to be pulled from the retraction assembly in a first direction; and,

the retraction device applies a force urging the cord in a second direction opposite the first direction.

11. The mouth guard assembly of claim 10, wherein:

the retraction assembly is arranged to engage an interior surface of the chin guard; and,

the cord is arranged to pass through an opening in the chin guard.

12. The mouth guard assembly of claim 10, wherein the retraction assembly is arranged to urge the cord in the second direction such that the coupling element is drawn toward an exterior surface of the chin strap.

13. The mouth guard assembly of claim 10, wherein the chin strap is arranged to block movement of the retraction assembly in the first direction.

14. The mouth guard assembly of claim 10, wherein the retraction device includes a coil spring.

15. The mouth guard assembly of claim 10, wherein the fourth end includes a protrusion arranged to engage the mouth guard.

16. The mouth guard assembly of claim 10, wherein:

the coupling element includes: a second housing including the third end; and, a rotation element including: a first portion disposed within the second housing; and, a second portion separate from the first portion, extending from the first portion to an exterior of the second housing, and including the fourth end; and,

wherein the fourth end includes a. protrusion arranged to engage a recess in the mouth guard.

17. The mouth guard assembly of claim 16, wherein:

the second portion has a longitudinal axis; and,

the rotation element is rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

18. A mouth guard assembly, comprising:

a U-shaped mouth guard arranged to receive teeth on an upper or lower jaw of a user; and,

a connection assembly including: a flexible tab including: a first connected to the mouth guard; and, a second end; and, a magnet connected to the second end and arranged to magnetically engage a portion of a protective helmet made of a magnetic material.

19. The mouth guard assembly of claim 18, wherein the first end is fixedly secured to the mouth guard.

20. The mouth guard assembly of claim 18, wherein:

the mouth guard includes a recess;

the first end includes a protrusion; and,

recess is arranged to receive the protrusion such that the protrusion is not fixedly secured to the mouth guard.